The former Springbok prop selects a team of the best he played with and against for SA Rugby magazine.
15. ANDRÉ JOUBERT
The Rolls- Royce of fullbacks. André was a quiet, confident player who had a great ability to join the line.
14. CHRISTIAN CULLEN
He was a strong, quick runner who could step off both feet. I know I’m selecting him out of position, but I had to include André!
13. JAQUE FOURIE
Big, strong and quick, Jaque was also a good defender, especially when reading the opposition’s attack.
12. TIM HORAN
He was equally good on attack and defence.
11. JONAH LOMU
Another player who was big, strong and fast. He always had a big mental influence on the opposition.
10. JONNY WILKINSON
A good distributor and kicker, and a solid defender.
9. JOOST VAN DER WESTHUIZEN
Joost could change the course of a game. He was quick and asked questions of the defence.
8. GARY TEICHMANN (c)
Gary and Francois Pienaar were the best captains I played under. He was good at linking with the backs.
7. JUAN SMITH
Juan was excellent at the lineout, strong in defence and a good ball-carrier. He had a never-back-down attitude.
6. RICHIE McCAW
He was a good leader and influenced the refs. You would have hated playing against him but loved playing with him. Probably the best New Zealand player ever.
5. MARTIN JOHNSON
Another excellent leader, he was always physical and constantly in your face.
4. MARK ANDREWS
He was also physical and in your face. If you didn’t worry about him you would feel the pain after the game.
3. OLO BROWN
An anchor of the scrum and a good defender. Special mention to Dougie Heymans, the best scrummager I encountered.
2. ULI SCHMIDT Uli had a real presence and his overall play was excellent. He could pop up anywhere at any time.
1. CRAIG DOWD Another prop who was solid at the set piece and a very good defender.
– This article first appeared in the May 2018 issue of SA Rugby magazine. The June issue is on sale 21 May.
Photo: Getty Images
